In short
- Spot sea otters and harbor seals resting on floating icebergs.
- Look for Steller sea lions and Dall's porpoises in Valdez Arm.
- Watch for humpback whales and tufted puffins near Glacier Island.
In this article
The boat ride from Valdez to the Columbia Glacier covers 80 miles round-trip. Along the way, you pass steep fjords, rocky islands, and massive iceberg fields. Captains slow down when they spot animals, giving you time to use your binoculars and cameras on the outer viewing decks.
What marine mammals rest on the icebergs?
Sea otters and harbor seals frequently use the floating ice chunks in Columbia Bay as resting spots.
When the boat navigates the massive iceberg field, watch the vividly blue ice carefully. You will often see groups of otters or seals hauled out on the ice. These bergs provide a safe place for them to rest away from predators.
Will I see whales on the cruise?
You have a good chance of seeing humpback whales, especially near Glacier Island.
The waters surrounding Glacier Island are nutrient-rich feeding grounds. Humpback whales often feed here during the summer cruise season from mid-May through mid-September. Keep your camera ready with a good zoom lens.
What animals live in the Valdez Arm and Narrows?
This protected corridor is home to Steller sea lions and Dall's porpoises.
As you leave Port Valdez, the boat travels through the narrow, mountainous waterway. Steller sea lions frequently haul out on the rocky shores here. You might also see Dall's porpoises riding the wake of the boat.
What seabirds can I spot on the tour?
You can easily spot bald eagles and tufted puffins.
Bald eagles often fly around the Valdez Small Boat Harbor before you even board. Later in the trip, watch for tufted puffins near the dense bird colonies of Glacier Island. They dive into the water to catch small fish.
Do I need binoculars to see the animals?
Yes, high-quality binoculars are highly recommended for spotting distant wildlife.
While the boat gets close to some animals, large vessels must keep a safe distance from whales and glacier ice. Binoculars help you spot distant eagles and whales. Pack a camera with a good zoom lens to capture clear photos.
Can I see wildlife at the departure harbor?
Yes, sea otters and bald eagles frequently visit the Valdez Small Boat Harbor.
The marina is a busy hub for commercial fishing and private boats. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to walk the docks. Look in the harbor waters for otters and scan the boat masts for eagles before you board.
Questions travellers ask
Will we see whales on the Columbia Glacier cruise?
Humpback whales often feed in the waters near Glacier Island. While sightings are not guaranteed, the captain will point them out if they are in the area.
What should I pack to view the wildlife?
Bring high-quality binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. You should also wear warm gloves, a hat, and a windproof jacket so you can stay warm on the outer viewing decks.
How long is the cruise where we see these animals?
The standard public cruise to Columbia Glacier lasts about 6 hours and covers roughly 80 miles round-trip. This gives you plenty of time on the water to look for animals.
